Hoots, Howls, and Hollers – September 11, 2017

Megan MosbyExecutive Director

I think the summer is going to end…sooner than later, I hope. With that in mind we are readying ourselves for our upcoming fund raiser, The Unique Boutique. This serves as a “save the date” notice and a request for donations. This will be a great opportunity to pick up collectibles, antique or unique items for yourself or for great gift giving opportunities.

And, if you have something to donate to the cause…all the better. Summer is over, the kids are back to school, and it is the perfect time for you to cull your treasures. Keep us in mind if you have some quality, unique or brand new items to donate to support our mission.

Maybe we have helped you with your wildlife needs over the summer or in the past. Maybe you anticipate a need for help. Or maybe you just appreciate what we do for the wildlife we share and the habitat we all need to survive. We are here if you need us. Now we need you.

Save the Date! * Mark your Calendars! * Shop til’ you Drop!

Liberty Wildlife’s “1st Annual Unique Boutique Fundraiser”

WHEN: November 11, 2017

HOURS: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

LOCATION: 2600 East Elwood Street, Phoenix

We will be staging “Unique Boutiques” and selling donated items in categories such as:

This Week @ Liberty – September 11, 2017

The intake total for the year is now up to 7142.

The rush of intakes has mostly subsided for this, our first year in our new facility. We are not going through many “single unit” berry baskets anymore, just “double-wides” and plastic tubs for the first year birds who are making their juvenile mistakes. Like I always say, nature is a tough teacher – the test precedes the lesson. But even at that, we still get the occasional baby and there are more than enough immatures out there to keep us busy into the winter – if winter ever decides to make an appearance. Now we have time to devote to other pressing projects not the least of which is fundraising. I ask every arrival at the window if they would care to make a donation to help us pay for our new home as, for the first time in 35 years, we have to make a mortgage payment. That, and fact that we are not getting as many donations from intakes as earlier in the year, we really need to scramble to keep the operation going financially. Its easy to look around at our nice new building and forget that it doesn’t belong to us – yet. So please, don’t forget Liberty Wildlife in your end-of the year giving plans!

We took in some interesting cases lately, from a turkey vulture with a hunting arrow sticking out of his wing and body, to a domestic rabbit who was in the middle of giving birth as she was admitted. Along with those we have been doing a monthly appearance on “Critter Corner” on channel 1o Sunday morning, plus doing the usual intakes of migrating and juvenile birds and animals. Let’s have a look…

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Baby acorn woodpecker

We don’t get a lot of acorn woodpeckers in the valley, but once in a while one will find their way down here. They usually show up in bunches, like most species do as their time to breed and hatch comes and goes. This little guy came down from up on the rim which is where you’re more apt to see these pretty little birds hanging out in the big pines.

Mama bunny has two babies as she arrives at Liberty

A gentleman came to the intake window today with a metal cage containing a domestic bunny. As I was preparing to tell him we didn’t take in domestic animals, he told me that she was having babies right then. It seems his neighbor discovered the rabbit outside of his home and alerted him as to her condition. He didn’t know where else to turn and as Liberty would never turn an animal away that was in danger, she was accepted. This might have been the first time in 35 years that the number of arrivals changed from arrival to intake!

Recently, Liberty Wildlife has been a monthly guest on channel 10’s Sunday morning Critter Corner. Once a month, Laura and some of the Education volunteers bring hawks, owls, falcons, and vultures to show off on TV for those who might not be aware of who we are and what we do. On the premise that any exposure is good exposure, it has done a lot for our name recognition in the valley. Thanks to Anita Roman and Ty Brennan for having us on their show!

An unfortunate turkey vulture came in recently with a hunting arrow protruding for his wing and body. X-rays showed how difficult the removal would be as the tip was designed to inflict maximum damage. After most the shaft was removed with a bolt cutter, the bird underwent surgery to remove the grotesque tip from his body. The bird put up a valiant struggle to survive but sadly, he succumbed to the injury a day or so later. Sometimes the magic just doesn’t work…

I’m sorry to hear the Turkey Vulture didn’t make it. I was working in OC that day & I saw them taking x-rays. There is no excuse for such cruelty!!! I wish all people realized what a gift wildlife & nature is, & show the respect they rightfully deserve.